Place the crushed berries in a large pot, about 8 quartsMeasure out the sugar in a bowl and separately have the pectin ready in a bowlAdd all the pectin to the crushed berries a small bit at a timeHeat the berry mix on high heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a full, rolling boilAdd sugar all at once and stir until well mixedBring mixture back to a rolling boil stirring constantlyBoil for one minuteRemove from heat and ladle into clean hot jam (sterilized in hot water or a dishwasher) jars leaving about 1/2 inch space at the top of each jar when fillingWipe the jar rim clean and put on canning lid and jar ring tight (ring and lid need to have been boiled)Preheat a large deep pot with water (half full) and bring to a boil while cooking the jam mixPlace the jam jars in the hot water making sure all jars are covered by at least one inch of waterBoil for a minimum of 10 minutesRemove and set on a towel to completely coolTighten jar rings when cool

Our cattle have made it through winter and are now enjoying fresh green grass as we rotate them between pastures. One of these calves was born last month and the rest in the fall of 2009. A lot of folks like black cattle, but I think there is nothing like seeing our red and white fullblood Maine-Anjou out on green grass.

Over the past several months there have been some outstanding cooking classes and great participation by those attending. Pizza on the grill, tamales in banana leaves, pot pies and more. These are some candid photos from recent classes. There are eight more classes in 2010 and private classes can be easily scheduled.

In 2002, there was not a flower bed around the farm house. It was barren except for a few older trees. We have never lived anyplace that Eva did not landscape or re-landscape it. The only difference here is that at the farm we also sell plants and those in the display gardens are examples of what we can obtain. These photos were taken over the past two months.

The berry patch is open for picking blackberries. The blueberries are going to be late this year due to the cool nights we had earlier. All of the berry bushes are loaded. The early blackberry are very sweet and extra large. We are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm every day.

If you like the blues, Linden Texas near Daingerfield is the place to be June 18 and 19. Take a look at the website that details the event. It has become one of the nation's leading blues festivals and has an international reputation.

It appears that this year we will have our best blueberry and blackberry crop since we opened. The bushes are larger and taller, the weather cooperated and our special fertilization program appears to be helping the plants make large berries.

We anticipate having berries to pick on or just after Memorial Day weekend.